Between Geometric Shapes and Raw Materials: The Case of Brutalism in Italy

Born in the post-war period in the United Kingdom, the Brutalism movement was first met with skepticism but has found a new appreciation in the last decade, capturing the imagination of new designers fascinated with the interplay between striking geometric shapes and the exposed raw materials in which they are rendered. From Britain, the movement spread throughout Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa, gathering different variations influenced by the cultural and socio-economic status of each area. In this article, we delve into the particularities that define Italy's contribution to the Brutalist movement, exploring the style through the lens of Roberto Conte and Stefano Perego. The two photographers have also published a photographic essay on the subject, taking the form of a book titled "Brutalist Italy: Concrete Architecture from the Alps to the Mediterranean Sea".

Bridge over Foša / Prostorne taktike

Within the contact zone of Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and on the place of a previous wooden bridge, we've designed a new steel pedestrian bridge. Wanting it to be more than a mere crossing of the sea channel, the bridge was envisioned as a vibrant social hub, a destination in itself. The bridge has not asserted itself aggressively within the landscape but rather possesses a distinct character and identity, subtly referencing the city's esteemed shipbuilding heritage and maritime spirit.

House on the Rias Coast / no.10 NOMURA Co., Ltd.

The site overlooks the Sea of Japan in front of the house, and the entire area is known as a scenic spot with its intricate Rias coastline and dynamic topography known as "cave gate". On the other hand, if you look at the surrounding area, you will find a labyrinth of alleys that create a unique townscape. This is a unique feature of the area, which has a square-shaped configuration called "Masu-gata" with cranked intersections to prevent northerly winds from blowing through.

The Appliance as an Expression of Material Culture

The history of household appliances closely mirrors the transformation of the modern home and domestic life throughout the 20th century. Rooted in the technical advances of the Industrial Revolution and driven by urban electrification, these devices were created to mechanize everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and food preservation. A major milestone in this evolution was the Frankfurt Kitchen, designed in 1926 by Austrian architect Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky. Considered the precursor of the modern kitchen, it incorporated efficiency principles inspired by the scientific organization of labor, with optimized spaces and integrated equipment to streamline domestic chores. Developed for social housing in Frankfurt, this kitchen embodies the functionalist spirit of the Bauhaus and establishes a direct connection with German design innovations, a context in which Gaggenau would also solidify its identity, combining technical precision and aesthetic sophistication.

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